Ramadan: The Month of Quran and Mindfulness
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is not merely a physical exercise of abstaining from food and drink. It is a spiritual training ground designed to transform the human soul and strengthen one's relationship with the Creator. While there are worldly benefits in obligatory duties like fasting, the true purpose must be explained by the Creator Himself, and we find this in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Goals of Ramadan Fasting
1. Taqwa (God-Consciousness) – The Primary Goal
The supreme and central objective of fasting is to develop Taqwa – a deep awareness of Allah, living with the consciousness that He always sees us.
Quranic Verse:
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (2:183)
This verse explains the entire philosophy of fasting. By willingly giving up permissible food, drink, and marital relations during the day for the sake of Allah, a person purifies their soul and attains the maturity to fully submit to Allah's commands.
2. Forgiveness of Sins
Throughout the month of Ramadan, particularly through fasting and night prayers (Tarawih), there is a great hope that sincerely seeking forgiveness will result in the remission of past sins.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari 38, Sahih Muslim 760)
Another narration states: "The five daily prayers, and from one Friday to the next, and from one Ramadan to the next, are expiation for sins committed between them, so long as major sins are avoided." (Sahih Muslim 233)
3. Gratitude (Shukr)
We often fail to appreciate the blessings we constantly receive. When we experience hunger and thirst directly, we understand the value of basic blessings like food and water that Allah has given us.
At the conclusion of the verses on fasting, Allah says: "So that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for having guided you, and that you may give thanks." (2:185)
Fasting is a training that transforms us into grateful servants.
4. Patience (Sabr)
Fasting is synonymous with patience. Controlling hunger, thirst, and desires throughout the day teaches the mind and body patience. This patience is essential for abstaining from evil and persisting in good deeds.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Fasting is half of patience." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3519)
The Quranic verse states: "Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account." (39:10)
This magnificent promise applies to those who fast as well.
5. Spiritual Purification and Self-Discipline
Fasting trains us to control our desires. We learn to restrain our tongue and mind, refraining from lies, backbiting, and idle talk.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6057)
This indicates that fasting is not merely about remaining hungry; it is complete moral purification.
Personal Action Plan for a Meaningful Ramadan
The ultimate goal is to attain Allah's pleasure and develop Taqwa. Your intention to perform more worship than last year and to connect deeply with the Quran is excellent. In sha Allah, here is a structured plan to make this Ramadan highly beneficial:
Priority: Living with the Quran
Ramadan is the month of the Quran. Therefore, connecting with the Quran on multiple levels is the primary goal.
1. Recitation: Set a specific portion to read daily (e.g., one Juz'). Quality matters more than quantity. Strive to read with understanding and reflection.
2. Memorization: Memorize a few new verses or review what has already been memorized.
3. Understanding: Read the meaning of the verses you recite. Try to understand the message each verse conveys to you.
4. Pondering (Tadabbur): Reflect deeply on the verses you understand. How do they relate to your life? What changes should you make? This is Tadabbur.
5. Researching: Learn briefly about the background of each verse (Asbab al-Nuzul) and its explanations (Tafsir) from reliable sources.
Additional Acts of Worship and Good Deeds
Tarawih and Night Prayer (Qiyam-ul-Layl): Pray Tarawih consistently without missing. Especially during the last ten nights, increase night prayers and pray Tahajjud.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari 37, Sahih Muslim 759)
Supplication (Du'a): Pray abundantly during times when supplications are accepted, such as at the time of breaking the fast and in the last third of the night. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Three supplications are answered: the supplication of the fasting person, the supplication of the oppressed, and the supplication of the traveler." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2526)
Remembrance (Dhikr): Remember Allah throughout the day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Shall I not tell you of the best of deeds, the most pure in the sight of your Lord, and the highest in rank, better for you than spending gold and silver, and better than meeting your enemies and striking their necks?" They said: "What is that?" He said: "Remembrance of Allah." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3377)
The Last Ten Days: I'tikaf and Laylat al-Qadr
Special Importance: Spend the last ten nights with special devotion. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "When the last ten days of Ramadan began, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would tighten his waist belt, stay awake at night, and wake his family." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2024)
One of these nights contains Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). Allah says: "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." (97:3)
I'tikaf: If possible, observe I'tikaf in the mosque. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to observe I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away. (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026)
Seeking Laylat al-Qadr: Seek the Night of Decree on the odd nights. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017)
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?' He said: 'Say: Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbu al-'afwa fa'fu 'anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).'" (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3760, Sunan Ibn Majah 3119)
Social Responsibility: Zakat al-Fitr and Charity
Helping the Poor: Give Zakat al-Fitr without fail. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) enjoined Zakat al-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity, and to feed the poor." (Sunan Abi Dawud 1609, Sunan Ibn Majah 1827)
Providing Food: Feed fasting people as much as possible. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, he will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the least." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 807, Sunan Ibn Majah 1746)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "The best charity is that given in Ramadan." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 663)
In sha Allah, by setting these goals and following this action plan, we can strive to make this Ramadan a turning point in our lives. May Allah accept all our fasts and worship, grant us forgiveness, and transform us into people of Taqwa. Ameen.